Binatone TV Master Mk4
I saw a couple of these on Ebay for a few pence each, both were listed as untested, so I placed a couple of punt bids and won them both, I already have the later Binatone TV Master Mk8, but these seem to be more common, so I had to have them
The IV in the MkIV name means this Pong machine only has four games available, These are selected by the switch on the right side of the device, and are Tennis, Football, Squash, and Squash (Practice) which is a single player gameAside from that the middle of the console features two detachable controllers which are nothing more than a variable resistor in a plastic box, and a large speakerOn the left side are switches for power, sound, ball speed and angle, the size of the bat which is for both players at the same time, and auto/manual serve, there are also buttons for manual serve and start
The bottom of the unit has the battery compartment, which will swallow six D cell batteries, and the same label proclaiming "You will become a superstar with Binatone TV game" as the Mk8
The controllers fit into the bottom of the unit, not very well, but they do fit
The battery terminals are a bit crusty
The sides show off the sloping shape, and the right side has the external power socket, which as always is the same as the Atari 2600 and ZX81 PSUs
The controllers are just a variable resistor in a box, the plug is a 2 pole 3.5mm jack plug, the same as the PSU. This controller is missing the cable
Did I mention I bought two of them?
Two of the controllers are complete
Anyway, one appears to be dead, and the other makes all the right noises, but doesn't output a picture the modern TV can find, there is something there when manual tuning, but it can't tune to it, so that's another two consoles to go onto the repair list
Update
I have picked up another one, which is still in it's box, will test soon...
Testing complete
The unit works
This is a boxed version, although it looks like the box has been on a shelf for years and one side has faded badly. And again, "Licensed by Magnavox", why is that?
Top and side, the opposite sides are identical
The unit itself, the same as my other two
The side with an external PSU socket
The base with the same label as the others, I am still not a superstar even though I have loads of these now!!!
Battery compartment, it takes D cells which I don't have, but I do have the official PSU
Another two controllers
The unit with the controllers attached
It works!
The unit in action, it was so good to use varicap tuning again, it took me right back, and happily the Ferguson 3840 gives a great picture
More updates
Another Binatone Mk4, these seem to fall into my lap at the moment, how many more of these do I need before I become a superstar like the label suggests
The box has faded but is in good condition
The trademark orange has faded to light yellow
Polys included
Nothing we haven't seen before
I am still not a superstar yet
Orange wedge
Controllers
User manual and other paperwork
This one comes with the battery eliminator in its original box
Although the box is in a poor condition
The lid won't stay closed
The power supply itself, 8VDC at 100mA with the usual 3.5mm plug with positive tip
From a time before sleeved pins
Working but "modern TV problems"
For more retro hardware check out my online museum here
